KANSAS CITY, Mo — In a few weeks, the results of a mental exam for Andrew Lester could be released.

The family of Ralph Yarl, the teenager who was shot after going to the wrong house to pick up his siblings, is waiting to see if there will be a trial.

A year and a half later, time hasn’t healed all wounds, especially for Yarl’s aunt.

“That’s what got me back in the car driving to Children’s Mercy Hospital and that was my prayer, ‘Dear God, let him live, let Ralph live,'” said Faith Spoonmore, Yarl’s aunt. “I am so sorry that prayer was not answered for your family.”

Spoonmore knows what her grandson went through can change an entire family.

“Mom has to take time off work,” she said. “The bills still have to be paid, right?”

Credit: Yarl family

That led her to create authentic bracelets in partnership with women in her home country of Ghana, West Africa.

“I’m hoping the funds for this are if it just covers a bill, a mortgage payment, fill the fridge once — that’s enough,” Spoonmore said. “If it’s for the victim itself, if it covers therapy, if it covers you getting whatever you want, getting money for a concert, if it’s going to bring you joy, happiness and make you feel whole even for a second second row – go for it.”

Hope by Faith Spoonmore is the name for their handmade bracelets. Yarl was a supporter of the initiative alongside his aunt.

“Ralph loves it, he’s been on board since we left for Ghana,” she said.

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The bracelets will be on display at Java Garage starting Tuesday. All proceeds this year will support three young victims of racially motivated gun violence.

You can submit their experiences Here for consideration.

“America may not have shared your story the way they shared Ralph’s story, but you are just as important as Ralph Yarl.”

“From my lips to God’s ear,” says Spoonmore

KSHB 41 recently spoke with Cleo Nagbe, Ralph’s mother, about another lawsuit delay.

The trial is currently scheduled for February 24, 2025.

A hearing in November, which could reveal the results of Lester’s mental exam, could determine whether the trial goes ahead.

“Please,” said Spoonore. “Like I’m one of those people who likes positive vibes, positive vibes from my lips to God’s ear.”

Yarl, who was a student at Staley High when he was shot, is now a student at Texas A&M. Spoonmore shares updates on his progress on her website.

As they continue to show families that there is hope, Ralph’s family tries to hang on to theirs with all the uncertainty.

“With everything that’s happened so far, there’s been a thin line of hope,” Spoonmore said. said. “Mr. Lester is an old man and Ralph is a young lad who needs to move on. Ralph deserves to have a college life where he doesn’t have to fear a future case.”

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KSHB 41 reporter Alyssa Jackson covers portions of Johnson County, including neighborhoods in Overland Park, Shawnee and Mission. Share your story idea with Alyssa.